Heating, ventilating, and cooling your home could be one of the biggest parts of your monthly budget. If your HVAC equipment or your home itself is inefficient, you could be paying a lot more than you need to for indoor comfort. Follow these four tips to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system.
Buy an Efficient HVAC System
When it comes time to replace your heat pump, furnace, or air conditioning system, choose the most efficient equipment that you can afford. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency coordinate the Energy Star program. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment with the Energy Star seal use less fuel to heat or cool a home compared with equipment that does not have the seal.
Perform HVAC Maintenance and Air Filter Replacements
Every heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system requires regular maintenance. Perform HVAC maintenance and air filter replacements at least twice per year. Ideally, maintenance should be done before the onset of the heating season and before the onset of the cold season. Some companies, like Hartman Heating, Air and Fireplaces, realize that you should check the air filter every couple of months. As soon as all the cells are covered in dust, replace it with a clean filter.
Achieve the Recommended Level of Insulation for Your Home
Many homes do not have enough insulation. A lack of insulation allows the heated or cooled air to leak out of your home. If you do not want to pay to heat or air condition the outdoors, improve your insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy offers guidelines on the amount of insulation that a home should have. The guidelines are based on the location, age, and construction materials of the structure.
Reduce Unwanted Heat Exchange with the Outdoors
To keep the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operating efficiently, reduce unwanted heat exchange with the outdoors. In addition to improving the insulation, seal the little gaps and cracks around the home’s foundation, doors, and windows. Caulking needs to be replaced every year or two. Weather-stripping also needs to be replaced every couple of years. Keep the blinds or curtains closed in the summer and open in the winter.
By taking care of the HVAC system, replacing it with efficient equipment, you can save money on heating and cooling. Making simple repairs to your home also lowers the amount you pay for heating and cooling needs. These tips also help to improve your indoor comfort.